Program for researching the cod decline presented
In a large-scale study, scientists from various disciplines are to investigate the role of the cormorant in the decline of cod stocks in the western Baltic Sea. "We are supporting scientists in their efforts to shed light on further causes of this worrying development," said Schleswig-Holstein's Minister of Agriculture Werner Schwarz (CDU) at the presentation of the project in Lübeck on Monday. The study is being financed by the Ministry of Agriculture, which is providing a total of 758,000 euros.
In the four-year research project, experts from the Institute of Inland Fisheries Potsdam-Sacrow and the Thünen Institute of Baltic Sea Fisheries as well as other research institutions want to investigate the extent to which cod contribute to the diet of cormorants in coastal areas. The study will not only examine the situation in Schleswig-Holstein, but also in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Denmark. There, too, the cod population has declined sharply without any apparent reason for this, said Schwarz.
The investigation into the cod decline's causes also involves assessing the impact of cormorants on cod populations, which is a crucial aspect of the scientific research project. To ensure a holistic approach, the study will also explore the environment's role in cod stocks and potential changes in the Baltic Sea ecosystem.
Source: www.dpa.com
